jeer 1 of 2

as in snort
a vocal sound made to express scorn or disapproval ignored the jeers of the other team's fans and just focused on making her free throw shot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

jeer

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word jeer distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of jeer are fleer, flout, gibe, scoff, and sneer. While all these words mean "to show one's contempt in derision or mockery," jeer suggests a coarser more undiscriminating derision.

the crowd jeered at the prisoners

When could fleer be used to replace jeer?

In some situations, the words fleer and jeer are roughly equivalent. However, fleer suggests grinning or grimacing derisively.

the saucy jackanapes fleered at my credulity

In what contexts can flout take the place of jeer?

The words flout and jeer can be used in similar contexts, but flout stresses contempt shown by refusal to heed.

flouted the conventions of polite society

Where would gibe be a reasonable alternative to jeer?

While the synonyms gibe and jeer are close in meaning, gibe implies taunting either good-naturedly or in sarcastic derision.

hooted and gibed at the umpire

When can scoff be used instead of jeer?

While in some cases nearly identical to jeer, scoff stresses insolence, disrespect, or incredulity as motivating the derision.

scoffed at their concerns

When is it sensible to use sneer instead of jeer?

The words sneer and jeer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sneer stresses insulting by contemptuous facial expression, phrasing, or tone of voice.

sneered at anything romantic

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of jeer
Noun
The crowd boos and jeers throughout her entire dance until Bubbles/Tiger Lily reclaims the stage for her next song. Marya E. Gates, IndieWire, 13 Jan. 2025 Hogan made a brief appearance to promote his Real American Beer brand, but what followed was a sea of boos and jeers from the audience. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
Justin was also jeered as he was withdrawn early in the second period. Rob Tanner, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024 Kim Kardashian got jeered at the Tom Brady Roast hosted by Kevin Hart – his first major sighting since Katt caught him slipping, Jennifer Lopez gets cooked in the TIktok comments and had to cancel shows from lack of interest. Rob Marriott, VIBE.com, 30 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for jeer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jeer
Noun
  • There was always laughter, followed up by an occasional snort sometimes!
    Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025
  • The book, with illustrations by English artist Hannah Farr, tells the story of how Henri gets bullied in doggie daycare because of his loud snort.
    Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2024
Verb
  • While the former third baseman has strong support in his clubhouse, he’s been ridiculed by fans throughout his time with the Bombers despite taking the team to the playoffs in all but one season, 2023.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 14 Feb. 2025
  • As a 15-year-old when the murders happened, she was ridiculed and bullied by her classmates at Charlotte High.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Shows like this often get labeled as comfort food, which is sometimes delivered with a sneer.
    Brian Grubb, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Ruby’s face hardened, her lips twisting into a sneer.
    Lizz Schumer, People.com, 2 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Cuba’s foreign minister mocked NED on social media.
    Peter Roskam, National Review, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Musk also mocked people who criticized the order on X, noting that workers could respond by asking an AI chatbot — such as Grok, owned by X — to create a list of accomplished tasks.
    Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • These terms are often tossed around with a smirk, used to describe parents who hover over every detail of their children’s lives—ensuring every problem is fixed, every obstacle removed.
    Marvin Krislov, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
  • The fifth season of Hulu’s hit dystopian series had began with the smirk seen ’round the globe that pit June Osborne (Moss) against Serena Joy Waterford (Strahovski).
    Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Compare, also, Smith’s comment about Williams to the crowd’s boos for Taylor Swift.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Taylor Swift wasn’t exactly welcomed with open arms by every person at the 2025 Super Bowl, with the pop star receiving boos from some members of the crowd when her image appeared on the Caesars Superdome jumbotron Sunday (Feb. 9).
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 10 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • League sources stifle their snickers in public while privately marveling at the owner’s ceaseless stupidity. 3.
    Jeff Howe, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
  • So he must be placed in the Apparition section, next to ghosts like John Barron, sharing a snicker with Ivana.
    Greg Marotta, New York Daily News, 12 Jan. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Jeer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jeer. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on jeer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!